Day 1 - One Word. Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you? If you did Reverb10 then bonus points for also re-posting your 2011 word from last year along with how you feel about that in retrospect.
2011: Endurance.
This year was breathless, like a marathon with a sprint tethered to the end, like a constant search for the home stretch. It felt like Life, God, the Universe, The Great Mother, whatever you want to call it climbed up on my back like a jockey and we ran for it.
The farther and faster we went, the more I was sure my legs would give out. But they didn't. My breathing became rhythmic. The burning in my muscles faded off. The scenery and the things I passed on my way evaporated. Someone else was holding the reins, sending signals to ease off or speed up. All I had to do was run.
Now I just hear the pouding of my heart in my ears and the whistling of the wind as I go by.
Also, my word for 2011, the word that I hoped I'd be chanting like a mantra right about now, was fulfillment. That's not exactly what I got ... but maybe I got something better. Which is why I want to wait and see what word 2012 has in store for me. I feel it will be better than anything I could ever imagine. And I've always been a fan of surprises.
PS I got today's post and blog badge from Geekin' Hard's #Reverb11 site. You can find tons of prompts over there, so check it out! Happy Reverbing!
How awesome is that? I do think you got something better because I do believe everything has a purpose and a reason. It's the getting through it that is tough. Surprises - the good ones are always wonderful. (part of the reason I love the UPS people!) Much love to you! Also so grateful we got to meet online and in person!
Posted by: Tracy Mangold | December 01, 2011 at 06:14 PM
I am just starting to let the word for 2012 percolate in my heart/ head. Last year I chose stretch. Hoping to get my first #reverb11 post tonight. Right now I am waiting for my daughter's ballet class to end.
Posted by: Ramona | December 01, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Surprises rock :) You make me want to run (or, in my case, do some semblance of jog).
Posted by: Lisa | December 01, 2011 at 09:16 PM
Wonderful you had some muscles to flex when the hard times came. God bless!
Posted by: Abigail | December 02, 2011 at 06:31 AM
You overcame. I see this through and through in your response to this prompt. Well done, Noel!
Posted by: Stereo | December 02, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Too true; sometimes we get something different to what we expected, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have the potential to be far better than our expectations.
Posted by: Emmalloydwords | December 02, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Your muscle metaphor is so powerful. Like you, I'm letting my word for 2012 ferment and percolate before I settle on it. I have a feeling we'll all become more resilient runners, better breathers and happier journeyers next year. I just know it.
Happy #reverb anniversary. Gratitude, for you, your words, and your friendship, does not bein to capture it.
Posted by: Roxanne | December 02, 2011 at 09:59 AM
@Tracy, I agree. The toughest challenges always reveal their purpose, even if it takes awhile. :)
@Ramona--Stretch! I love it!
@Abigal--Thanks! So glad to see you here! :)
@Stereo--Yes, and it finally seems real now that December has rolled around. There is something so satisfying about putting a tough year to bed.
@Emmalloywords--yes, what we get it often much better than what we wanted (as the Rolling Stones said once.) :)
@Roxanne--I love the ferment idea ... that is exactly how i feel. Here's to 2012 and another year of reading, tweeting and knowing you! I am so thankful to have met you on year ago! XOXO
Posted by: Noel | December 02, 2011 at 10:34 AM
OH, I just love this post. I can just feel you running, your hair blowing about you as you speed to that place of fullfillment. Keep going!
Posted by: Dragonfly | December 02, 2011 at 02:25 PM
You know, don't you, that you ran it like a champion. I am so honored to know you, because what you are made of is inspiring to me.
Posted by: Kim | December 02, 2011 at 05:22 PM
I used to compete in long distance races and love this metaphor. My running experiences taught me not only endurance, but also sculpted me physically and mentally for life. Once we master the art of endurance, we are blessed with deep inner strength and unshakable faith sometimes follows. I'm hopeful your new word will be as fabulous and inspiring as you are!
Posted by: Robin O'Donovan | December 03, 2011 at 05:25 AM
@Dragonfly--Your words are like water stations at a marathon! :)
@Kim--Thanks, lady! I never got a varsity letter in high school, but I feel sort of like this year counts.
@Robin--Thank you! I'm so glad the metaphor worked. There is nothing like that amazing, zen place you find once you push past physical pain in a workout/run/yoga session/whatever. This year I found that the same thing can happen mentally too. :)
Posted by: Noel | December 04, 2011 at 01:48 PM